(Orangeburg) August 5, 2003 - The Catawba Indian Nation wants to use an old outlet mall near Interstate 95 for a proposed bingo hall, but the tribe wants to be placed under federal jurisdiction with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

That would allow them to operate in Santee without the restrictions they face in their bingo operation in Rock Hill, like staying open around the clock, using bingo machines instead of cards and games that offer more than $100,000 prizes.

Catawba spokesman Bobby Price says the tribe needs the advantage because of competition from the state lottery, "When the state got into the lottery business, we saw revenues up there drop to 60% or 70%."

Governor Mark Sanford is concerned the Catawba's proposed bingo hall could lead the way for casino gambling. The tribe is allowed to have two bingo operations in the state as part of a federal and state land claims settlement in 1993, "Right now, South Carolina gets to make the call. If we move it to reservation status, Washington would make the call. I don't think that's where the decision should be made."

Price says the tribe isn't interested in moving into that area, "The tribe has no intention of building a casino with dice, cards."

The governor says he is looking at the long term consequences of such an agreement, “I respect where Chief [Gilbert] Blue is coming from, I know his word is good. My concern is five to ten years down the line, what if someone wants to change that in Washington, all of a sudden we don't have control in South Carolina.” 

Senator Lindsey Graham says he wants more time to consider the consequences of federal legislation that would grant the Catawba's the ability to build a high-stakes bingo hall. Graham says he doesn't want to do anything at the federal level that would allow an expansion of gambling into the area of casinos.

The Republican Senator had supported a proposed law sought by the Catawbas that would place the tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Nevada Senator John Ensign put a hold on the bill at the request of Senator Graham. 

The legislation won't be debated until lawmakers get back from summer recess.

Congressman Jim Clyburn is pushing for the bill. But Sanford, as well as Congressmen Gresham Barrett and Jim DeMint, also question whether the bill could make it easier for the Catawbas to get a casino in the future.

Orangeburg County leaders say they are behind the bingo parlor. The council met Monday night and unanimously passed a resolution that would allow a high-stakes hall in Santee. The county will now send its resolution to the governor, hoping he reconsiders allowing it in Santee. The county says the parlor will help in its economic development.

Marion Moore with the county Economic Development Partnership says the bingo hall would make Santee more of a tourist destination.

The Catawbas say they will not build in Santee without the federal classification.

By Megan Hughes
Updated 5:52pm by BrettWitt with AP